Beyond Midday Breaks: Creating Comfortable Shaded Zones for Workers
Beyond Midday Breaks: Creating Comfortable Shaded Zones for Workers Outdoor labourers face extreme working conditions that can pose serious health risks during summer. While the midday break, a regulation enforced by the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), has been a game-changer in protecting workers, simply pausing work from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM is not enough. Creating well-designed, comfortable shaded zones is crucial to supporting the health, safety, and dignity of every worker. Why Shaded Areas Matter More Than Ever The UAE's summer temperatures can soar well beyond 50°C, and even short exposure to the sun during peak hours can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or worse, heat stroke. The midday break law, in effect from June 15 to September 15, restricts outdoor work during the hottest part of the day. But the impact of the heat doesn't end at 3 PM. Workers still operate in harsh conditions before and after the break. That’s why shaded rest zo...